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Swagatham (Welcome)
The groom is welcomed by the parents of the bride. The bride is then brought into the pavilion by ladies, who are relatives and friends, and is welcomed by her parents and the groom.

Ganapathi Puja (Prayer)
On the arrival of both the bride and groom to the wedding pavilion, they are made to offer a prayer to Lord Ganesha, Remover of all Obstacles, to ensure that the marriage ceremony takes place without impediments, and that they share a blissful life.

Punyahavachan (The cleansing ritual)
The offerings and pavilion are sanctified by sprinkling holy water while the priest chants Vedic scriptures.

Raksha Bandhan (For protection)
The bride and groom tie a thread around each other`s wrists vowing that they will protect and take care of each other.

Kanyadhan (Giving away the bride)
The parents of the bride offer her hand in marriage to the groom. It is as if to declare that no gift is greater than a daughter.

Panigrahan (Accepting the Bride)
The bride and groom hold hands, declare their acceptance of each other, and take their vows in the presence of God and all assembled. They agree to take each other`s hands, and pledge to live happily as long as they both shall live.

Mangalyadharan (Holy matrimony)
A gold pendant (Mangalasutra) strung on a sacred thread is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom in three knots. This is a significant moment in the Hindu wedding ceremony.

Saptapadi (The Seven sacred steps)
Holding hands, the bride and groom take 7 steps around the sacred fire, symbolic of the 7 marital vows:

With God as our guide, let us take:

• The first step for togetherness, respect and honour
• The second step to develop physical and emotional health
• The third step to increase spiritual health
• The fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony
• The fifth step to be blessed with a healthy family
• The sixth step to develop mutual restraint and longevity
• The seventh step to symbolise mutual love, friendship and companionship.